A recent issue of National Geographic showed a soldier who had returned from Iraq. He said he extensively used their map of Iraq and a GPS unit.

Our prayers go to everyone serving there and elsewhere.

Congratulations! So happy for you that you got to see him, and especially that he got to come home for a bit to see his new baby. Thank you for posting the update.

Thanks all again, my son's MOS will let him email and video message. He took the camera with to CA. Baby gained a full pound in 10 days and is holding her head up, no I am not kidding. She smiles and laughs out loud, hates the swing, carseat and pacifier. Does not like her arms covered up and just try not to hold her!!

So good to hear your family is making it through this deployment, and thrilled that your son got to come home for the new baby. Isn't email a godsend? I still shake my head in wonder thinking that never before have families had a means to keep in touch with loved ones in a war zone. Best wishes to you all for the holiday season. Think how much fun it's going to be NEXT year!!!

ArkansasNurse, again, my prayers are sent that your son will return home safe and sound. And your grandbaby sounds precious. Enjoy every moment.

I too have family in Iraq, although not a child. But prayers are sent every day for them. May all our troops be out of harms way.

Take good care.

After months of dreading it (us, not him, he volunteered for 18 months when he had to do only 10) my son left for the middle east today. He will be in Kuwait a month before actually going into Iraq.
I did find the goggles that were suggested and he was thrilled for them.
The baby is at 11 lbs and 4 oz. Rolls over from back to front, gets mad when turned away from the TV. Her crib has one of her Daddy's worn but not soiled shirts on it so she can remember his scent. She sleeps very peacefully this shirt. She slept all night last night after he talked to her over the phone. 465 days til he comes back!!
Thanks everyone for your best wishes and prayers.

arkansasnurse and txtravelpro - unfortunately, no info or advice, but
as others have already said, my thoughts, thanks , and prayers go out to your sons - wishing them a quick and
safe return home. I know I couldn't do what they do; they are so brave.

Oh honey, my prayers are with you and your baby boy every day until he comes home!
((F))

Ditto the above posters....

Yes, you and your ramily, especially your son, are still in my thoughts.

Geez, the least I could do is spell it correctly! Family...

My deepest thanks to your son and his company, for the brave job they are doing. my prayers.

Hey Arkansas, mine left 12/21, the same day of my surgery...
This time he is in the thick of thigs. He has been emailing, thank goodness.
We are worried this time more than the last time!
~Laura (in Texas)

God bless our troops, all over the world, our prayers are with them and their families.

The camel spider referred to above is on the Urban Legends site if you're interested (be sure to read all the way to the end.)

Maggi

Your son is one brave man. God bless him and bring him home healthy soon.

Arkansasnurse and TxTravelPro, my thoughts and prayers are with both of your sons, as well as the rest of our troops in Iraq and surrounding areas. I hope that everyone is returned safely home as soon as possible.

Arkansasnurse and TravelPro - God bless your children. We'll keep them in our prayers. And please keep Ryan's brother in mind also - I believe he was deployed this weekend.

ARKANSASNURSE and TxTravelPro, your sacrifices in worry etc. are much realized too. Mothers are serving as well as their children, every hour that they are away.

My brother is in Iraq since October and will be there to next Nov. most probably- totally voluntarily, mentoring their new police force. He is 55 and my mom is 82, but he's still her baby. I see how hard it is on moms/wives especially.

Email is amazing. We can "talk" several times a week. But sometimes that makes is even harder on the moms because they may generally know jobs and whenever the danger may be greatest. Very hard.

Thanks too.

I pray for your boy, Arkansasnurse, and I pray for all the brave kids over there, and I thank them for their service and their sacrifice.

I also pray that the men in Washington who sent these fine young people into harm's way find the wisdom to bring them home now.

He called his wife from Kuwait. The phone card uses 10 minutes for each one minute they talk. So we will rely on email. Thanks for all the prayers.